Before I begin, MEDICARE FOR ALL!! Now in spite of everything, the FDA is not completely insane, and sometimes actually looks out for our health. It has given us the first generic GLP-1 receptor agonists, so we can start to talk to our doctors and pharmacies about prescriptions, side effects, prices, and availability.

As of mid-2026, the FDA has approved the first generic GLP-1 receptor agonists, specifically generic liraglutide (a generic version of Saxenda for weight loss and Victoza for diabetes) and exenatide (generic Byetta). These offer possibly more affordable options to brand-name, weekly injections like Wegovy or Ozempic, which do not currently have FDA-approved generics.

I cannot tell you what Victoza will cost you or yours. Everybody pays a different price depending on insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid, in each different US state, and on other factors. It is the textbook definition of a market failure resulting in great market inefficiency. This meshugas has defeated my best Google-fu.

The great difficulty in finding out what you will pay adds to the pain and suffering. It is all due to the malign influences of moneyed interests, including pharmaceutical giants, insurance companies, and others that don’t consider themselves to be in the healthcare business but only in the Milton Friedman profit-maximizing business at any cost to society.

MEDICARE FOR ALL!!

Full coverage, no nickel-and-diming. Amirite?

Victoza Data

GoodRx: Is Victoza Available as a Generic? 5 Things You Should Know About Victoza Generics

Victoza (liraglutide) is an injectable medication for Type 2 diabetes in adults and children ages 10 and older.

In June 2024, Teva Pharmaceuticals announced the launch of an authorized generic of Victoza in the U.S. This product is exactly the same as brand-name Victoza, but without the brand name on the label. The FDA has also approved several other Victoza generics.

Your pharmacist can help switch you from brand-name Victoza to the typical generic or authorized generic if it helps you save money. They may be able to do this without speaking to your prescriber if your prescription allows for substitutions.

FDA Approves First Generic Version of Victoza for Type 2 Diabetes

Liraglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist administered as a subcutaneous injection. It is indicated for use as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients aged 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes.

The ongoing shortage of liraglutide injection and other GLP-1 medications prompted the FDA to prioritize the generic drug applications for these medications in order to improve patient access.

“The FDA supports development of complex generic drugs, such as GLP-1s, by funding research and informing industry through guidance as part of our ongoing efforts to increase access to needed medications,” said Iilun Murphy, MD, director of the Office of Generic Drugs in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. ”Today’s approval underscores the FDA’s continued commitment to advancing patient access to safe, effective and high quality generic drug products.”

The most common side effects reported with liraglutide injection include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, decreased appetite, dyspepsia and constipation. The prescribing information of liraglutide includes a boxed warning about the increased risk of thyroid C-cell tumors; patients who have had or have family members who have had medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, should not be treated with liraglutide.

GoodRx: Liraglutide (victoza) Medicare coverage

Novo Nordisk NovoCare: Get help with medication costs and ongoing diabetes support

You can ask about your Victoza costs there, if you don’t mind going around Robin Hood’s barn to fill out their forms and wait for an answer.

We’ll get straight to the point: The financial hardships that Daily Kos is facing this year are tough.

We continue to be paywall-free. We continue to be supported by our readers, not billionaires or corporations. But we need to bring in more revenue. We are leaning on our community more than ever to help make ends meet.

Power matters.